By Victor Ahiuma-Young

The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation, ITUC-Africa, has thrown its weight behind a newly adopted global framework for reparatory justice, calling for compensation and other corrective measures to address the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism and apartheid.

In a statement by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa welcomed the adoption of the Global Framework for Reparatory Justice at the High-Level “Next Steps” Conference held in Accra, Ghana, describing it as a historic step toward achieving justice for Africa and people of African descent worldwide.

The labour body said the framework represents a major milestone in the long-standing struggle to secure redress for centuries of exploitation and oppression that enriched some nations while leaving many African countries grappling with poverty, underdevelopment and economic dependency.

According to ITUC-Africa, the adoption of the 19-point framework comes shortly after the United Nations General Assembly recognised the transatlantic slave trade and slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, a move that has intensified calls for meaningful reparations.

The organisation argued that reparatory justice extends beyond acknowledging historical wrongs and must include concrete actions to address contemporary challenges linked to those injustices. These include structural inequality, crushing debt burdens, illicit financial flows, racial discrimination and limited economic opportunities facing millions of African workers.

“The wealth extracted through slavery and colonialism helped build global prosperity for some while entrenching poverty and exclusion for many others,” the statement noted.

ITUC-Africa expressed support for key provisions of the framework, including formal apologies from former colonial powers, restitution of stolen cultural heritage, equitable compensation, debt relief and institutional reforms designed to address historical imbalances.

The trade union federation also welcomed proposals to establish international mechanisms that would ensure accountability and facilitate the implementation of reparatory measures.

ITUC-Africa, urged governments, international institutions, employers and social partners to engage constructively in the process, stressing that reparatory justice should be integrated into broader efforts aimed at promoting economic democracy, social justice, decent work and sustainable development across Africa.

“The time has come for the international community to move from recognition to action,” the statement declared.

The adoption of the framework in Accra is expected to strengthen ongoing global discussions on reparations and could increase pressure on former colonial powers and international institutions to address historical injustices through tangible policy measures.